The EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement (EUSDTA) was approved by the European Parliament on 14 November during the plenary votes.
The votes were exceedingly in favour of the agreement, with 515 in favour (+) vs 93 not in favour (-), and 33 abstentions.
Left Group challenges compatibility of the EUSDTA
Prior to the vote on the EUSDTA, the European Parliament also voted on aresolution that sought an opinion from the ECJ concerning the compatibility of the EUSDTA with EU Treaties. This resolution was put forth by the EP’s extreme left group (The Left) and had garnered just enough support (72 MEPs) for it to be put to vote at the plenary. The Left group’s published their opinion here: The EU-Singapore digital trade agreement: Gambling away our digital sovereignty – The Left.
This proposal to seek an opinion was voted down by a large majority.
Next steps
The next steps would be for the EUSDTA’s ratification to be agreed at the Council before being gazetted in the Journal. Singapore will also need to ratify the agreement in its Cabinet.As the EUSDTA falls under the EU’s full competence, Member States are not required to ratify the agreement.
Both sides will then agree on a date of entry into force of the Agreement, likely in early 2026.
